7 Coziest Mountain Towns In Wyoming
Sheltered under rugged peaks and tucked into the valleys, gorges and foothills of the quintessential Old West, Wyoming’s alpine communities are the very definition of cozy. If you’re looking for a vacation packed with breathtaking scenery, small town charm, and historic attractions, you’ll find it here. Wyoming's mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain chain and include the Wind River, Bighorn, Teton, and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. This gives visitors plenty of peaks to choose from, not to mention the incredible valleys, rivers, and glacial lakes that were formed with them. Spend a day hiking the Rockies and reward yourself with a tasty craft beer, go wildlife watching to see where America’s most iconic animal has roamed for thousands of years, or try fly-fishing in an alpine creek. These mountain escapes offer adventure, comfort, and coziness to every type of traveller
Dubois
Surrounded by the Wind River, Absaroka, and Owl Creek mountain ranges, Dubois is a tucked-away trail town perfect for a rustic retreat. To get to know the town, start at the Dubois Museum, which offers an educational introduction to the area's history and geology. The museum also offers Adventure Treks, allowing visitors to explore the area firsthand with knowledgeable guides.
A tiny town that attracts a lot of seasonal visitors, Dubois has some unique residents, the Whiskey Mountain herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. You can learn everything there is to know about these fascinating alpine animals at the National Bighorn Sheep Center, a museum which promotes the conservation of wild sheep, wildlife, and wildlands.
Don’t leave town without visiting the Dubois Scenic Overlook and grabbing some incredible vacation shots. Located on the west side of town and marked by a signpost, the Overlook has a well-worn path so visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over several mountain ranges. This is one of the few spots in the world where you can see volcanic, tectonic, and glacial peaks from the same location.
Cody
Just 84 km from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody is primarily known as the gateway town to Wyoming’s most famous attraction, but there’s more to this charming mountain community than its proximity to the park. Named for its founder, the legendary William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Cody can trace its history back to the late 1800s. You can still see cowboys sauntering around town today, especially in the summer months when regular Wild West reenactments take over main street. Hop aboard the Cody Trolley Tour to see a performance and enjoy a lively historical tour of the town.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers more entertaining stories of days gone by. The center comprises five museums on a single property and offers immersive activities such as Chuckwagon Dinners, a Live Raptor Experience, and an annual Powwow in June.
Finish up your stay in Cody with a trip to the tranquil wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest. The country’s first designated national forest, this 2.4 million-acre expanse contains 1,300 miles of trails, 11 picnic sites, and four scenic byways.
Lander
Known as the place “where the rails end and the trails begin”, Lander is a remote mountain town in the Wind River range perfect for those seeking a cozy escape in nature. Just south of town is the dazzling Sinks Canyon State Park, where the Popo Agie River disappears into a deep limestone cavern before re-emerging into a pristine pool stocked with trout. The park is popular with climbers, mountain bikers, and hikers, but it’s also perfect for those who just want to picnic in gorgeous surroundings and enjoy the view.
Create more magical memories with a visit to the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary. One of only four public off-range pastures in the country, and the only one located on an Indian Reservation, the sanctuary’s visitor center and gift shop are open to the public during the summer season. For the full experience, book a Wild Horse Tour to see the herd of Wild Mustangs in an ATV with an experienced guide.
After climbing canyons and saying hi to horses, kick back and get cozy at the Lander Brewing Company, a historic microbrewery in the heart of town. The company began in the late 1800s and was recently revived by local brewmasters eager to preserve this piece of Lander history. Try some of its award-winning brews or grab something more filling next door at the Cowfish Restaurant.
Buffalo
A historic alpine town in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo is packed with frontier heritage and incredible views. Newcomers can head to the Jim Gatchell Museum to pick up information on walking tours around town. These include a Historic Main Street Walking Tour, a Railroad Walking Tour, and a National Register of Historic Places Tour.
Take some time to browse the museum as well, named for James Gatchell, who opened the Buffalo Pharmacy in 1900 and counted cowboys, cattle barons, and Army scouts among his clientele. Another prominent property in Buffalo’s long history is the Historic Occidental Hotel, which opened in 1880 and is now a museum, restaurant, and boutique hotel. Historic tours are offered daily by appointment.
East of Buffalo is the Mountain Plains Heritage Park, a beautiful spot to enjoy the Bighorn Mountains dominating the skyline. The park contains a one-mile nature trail and covers part of the legendary pioneer route, the Bozeman Trail, as well as the former railroad line which traversed the area from 1912 to 1948.
Pinedale
Pinedale feels like an old western town in an old western landscape. Surrounded by the Wind River mountains, the Green River, the New Fork River and more than 1,300 surrounding alpine lakes, this is a community on the edge of some of the most stunning wilderness in Wyoming.
Learn about the explorers who traversed that wilderness at the Museum of the Mountain Man which tells the story of the Rocky Mountain fur trade through art exhibits, Native American artifacts, trapper tools, and more. For a more immersive history, head south of town to the Sommers Homestead Living History Museum, an early-1900s ranch listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To see the best of Pinedale’s dazzling scenery, take the 32-mile Skyline Drive Loop which begins north of town and travels between Fremont Lake and Half Moon Lake and into the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Jackson
Jackson is a vibrant town nestled in the Jackson Hole Valley near the Idaho border and encircled by the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. The town has two major parks on its doorstep, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, making it a major hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
Less well-known is the National Elk Refuge, a huge preserve where you can see herds of wild elk roaming the alpine grasslands from mid-December to early-April. One of the best places to see wildlife is via Refuge Road or the Flat Creek Observation Deck. Depending on the time of year, you can expect to see bighorn sheep, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, coyotes, and many migratory bird species.
In downtown Jackson, you’ll see an unusual tribute to the area’s elk. The Jackson Town Square features eye-catching elk antler archways at each of the square’s four corners. The first was built in 1953, and each is regularly rebuilt with fresh antlers. Visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum to learn more about town history and book a guided walking tour, available during the summer months.
Sheridan
Located near Yellowstone National Park in the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan is a natural playground with a rich cowboy culture. Just 18 miles west of town is America’s oldest dude ranch, Eatons’ Ranch, where you can unleash your inner cowboy and take a horseback ride into the stunning Bighorn National Forest or try your hand at fly-fishing in Wolf Creek.
You don’t have to go far in Sheridan for stunning scenery. Kendrick Park downtown is a beautiful green space alongside a bubbling creek that’s perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Next to the park is a wildlife area, the Elk and Buffalo Pasture, where you can see the town’s resident bison and elk who have called the park home since the early 1900s.
If you’re in Sheridan during the summer, party like a cowboy at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, which takes place annually in July and is almost a century old. There are more than 50 events throughout Rodeo Week including parades, dinners, concerts, and, of course, bucking broncos and bull riding.
Getting Cozy In The Wyoming Wilderness
There wasn’t much comfort in frontier life but the Wild West has come a long way from the days of cowboys and outlaws. Today, Wyoming’s small towns offer a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with pristine wilderness, welcoming communities, and one-of-a-kind historic and cultural attractions. Meet some wild mustangs, follow in the footsteps of Buffalo Bill, learn about the mountain men who shaped the west, or hit the trails on horseback. Whatever you’re up to in Wyoming, you’re sure to enjoy a cozy getaway snuggled up against the towering mountain landscapes of the Cowboy State.
